The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a family of business jets first produced by Canadair (as an independent company), and then produced from 1986 by Canadair as a division of Bombardier Aerospace. In service with the Canadian Forces, this aircraft was designated as the Bombardier CC-144 Challenger and used to transport the Governor General, government officials, foreign dignitaries and the Prime Minister of Canada.
The Challenger is a twin-engine executive jet used by the Canadian Forces as a high performance, medium to long-range, transport aircraft. Rollout of the prototype Challenger took place on 28 May 1978. It has a revolutionary wing, which reduces drag and increases lift and is also capable of performing short takeoffs while maintaining the speed and comfort levels normally associated with larger jetliners. It has an intercontinental range and will cruise at Mach .8 up to 49,000'. The aircraft is also used by Canadian Electronic Warfare (EW) Squadrons as an EW training platform. The Model CL-601-1A was an improved Challenger powered by a pair of General Electric CF34-1A turbofans. Harold A. Skaarup web pages with revisions
Wikipedia Challenger Transport
CC-144 Challenger - Kestrel Publications
Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GYLM for manufacturer's tests. First delivered to No. 412 (T) Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands), still there in 1991. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Back to No. 412 Squadron at Ottawa International Airport. Visited Hamilton, Ontario on 15 April 2004, still in overall white finish (denotes VIP interior). At Pearson Airport, Toronto, on 9 September 2006, and again on 25 October 2006 as flight CFC 3701. Delivered Minister of Defence to Toronto on 24 August 2007, as Flight CFC 1. To Pearson Airport again on 9 April 2008, as flight CFC 3707. To Hamilton airport on 2 August 2011. In May 2012,#144601 was heavily damaged by a bird strike while in Florida at MacDill Air Force Base. It underwent a temporary repair before being flown back to Ottawa, where much of the starboard side nose was replaced. #144601 served as a VIP transport until 2014, when theKnown Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GBVE for manufacturer's tests. Delivered to No. 412 (T) Squadron, CFB Ottawa (South), formerly known as CFB Uplands, in 1983. Still there in 1991. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Apparently never modified as electronics trainer. Back to No. 412 Squadron at Ottawa International Airport. Stored at Ottawa, in light grey colour scheme, without engines, as late as June 2004. Sold to Mountain Aviation on 2 April 2004, registered as N601WJ on 23 April 2004. To K Aviation on 10 September 2004, registered as N287DL on 18 October 2004. Still airworthy 2005.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GCSN for manufacturer's tests in 1984. Delivered to No. 412 (T) Squadron on 1 September 1987. Converted to Interim Electronic Support Trainer (IEST), redesignated CE-144A. To No. 414 Squadron at CFB North Bay, Ontario in this configuration. Converted to electronics intelligence gathering configuration, known as Airbrone Receiver System, date unknown. Referred to as CE-144B in this configuration, but this may be unofficial. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS from 1992, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Sold to DDH Aviation on 6 March 2001, registered as N296V on same day. To Affiliated Computer Services on 31 December 2001, registration changed to this owner on 8 February 2002. Re-registered as N515BP on 3 July 2002, same owner. Sold to Tami's Jet LLC on 9 May 2006, registration N6972Z reserved on 19 June 2006.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered as C-GBKC for manufacturer's tests. First delivered to Canadian Department of Transport, with this registration, in 1981. Used as VIP transport for federal government. First delivered to No. 412 (T) Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands) on 7 January 1986, still there in 1991. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Reported as a CE-144 during this time, not confirmed. Designated for conversion to maritime patrol configuration as CP-144A, but program cancelled before conversion completed. Back to No. 412 Squadron at Ottawa International Airport, still in CC-144A transport configuration. Sold to Mountain Aviation LLC on 2 April 2004, registered as N600WJ on 23 April 2004. Sold to HRS Solutions on 2 June 2004, registered to this owner on 25 March 2005. Now registered as N779HF, same owner. Still airworthy 2006.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered as C-GBEY for manufacturer's tests. First delivered to Canadian Department of Transport, with this registration, in 1981. Used as VIP transport for federal government. To No. 412 (T) Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands), still there in 1991. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Designated for conversion to maritime patrol configuration as CP-144A, but program cancelled before conversion completed. Stored at CFB Greenwood until sold. Sold to DDH Aviation on 1 February 2001, registered as N380V on 2 February 2001. Flown to Germany, converted to VIP interior by Naske Air. Sold to Mountain Aviation LLC on 27 May 2003, registered to this owner on 29 May 2003. Re-registered as N604SH on 17 May 2004, same owner. Still airworthy 2006.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GCVQ for manufacturer's tests in 1985. Converted to Interim Electronic Support Trainer (IEST), redesignated CE-144A. To No. 414 Squadron at CFB North Bay, Ontario in this configuration. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Converted to full EST configuration, date unknown. Referred to as CE-144C in this configuration, but this may be unofficial. At Innotech Aviation in Montreal in April 1995, probably for EST conversion. Sold to DDH Aviation on 16 February 2001, registered as N396V on 20 February 2001. To 4KS Aviation Inc. on 28 February 2001, registration changed to this owner on 3 April 2001. Still airworthy 2006. Reported stored at Love Field, Dallas, Texas in May 2010.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GBLL for manufacturer's tests, this registration not cancelled until 1990. Converted to Interim Electronic Support Trainer (IEST), redesignated CE-144A. To No. 414 Squadron at CFB North Bay, Ontario in this configuration. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Sold to DDH Aviation on 6 March 2001, registered as N370V on same day. To 448 Alliance Corp. on 31 December 2001, registered to this owner on 8 February 2002. Crashed and destroyed 2 February 2005 at Teterboro, New Jersey. Aborted takeoff, left runway, struck building. No fatalities. Investigation revealed aircraft had been overfuelled, and was out of CG range. Criminal charges were laid against the pilot and several senior employees of the aircraft's owner as a result of this accident. At least one conviction by 2010.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered To Canadair as C-GBLN for manufacturer's tests in 1985. With No. 412 Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands) in 1991. Converted to Interim Electronic Support Trainer (IEST), redesignated CE-144A. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Converted to full EST configuration, date unknown. Referred to as CE-144C in this configuration, but this may be unofficial. At Lockheed (Canada?) in April 1995, probably for EST conversion. Sold to DDH Aviation on 2 March 2001, registered as N25V same day. To 4KS Aviation on 6 March 2001, registered to this owner on 11 April 2001. Still airworthy 2006.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GBPX for manufacturer's tests in 1985. With No. 412 Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands) in 1991. Converted to Interim Electronic Support Trainer (IEST), redesignated CE-144A. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Converted to full EST configuration, date unknown. Referred to as CE-144C in this configuration, but this may be unofficial. At Canadair at Montreal in April 1995, probably for EST conversion. Sold to DDH Aviation on 21 February 2001, registered as N270V next day. To 4KS Aviation on 5 March 2001, registered to this owner on 4 April 2001. Still airworthy 2006.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GOGO for manufacturer's tests. First delivered to Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, with this registration. Registration cancelled on 3 March 1983, returned to Canadair. With No. 412 (T) Squadron when detached to Bahrain from October 1990 to April 1991. To No. 414 Squadron at CFB North Bay, Ontario. Visited Mildenhall, UK in May 1994, in low-vis grey finish. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Designated for conversion to maritime patrol configuration as CP-144A, but program cancelled before conversion completed. Stored at CFB Greenwood until sold. Sold to DDH Aviation on 6 February 2001, registered as N260V next day. To RCP's Lear LLC on 15 July 2005, registered to this owner on 3 August 2005. Still airworthy 2006.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GCZU for manufacturer's tests in 1987. Reported as delivered on 26 February 1987. Converted to Interim Electronic Support Trainer (IEST), redesignated CE-144A. To No. 414 Squadron at CFB North Bay, Ontario in this configuration. With No. 434 Squadron at CFB Greenwood, NS by 1995, withdrawn from this unit in 2000. Sold to DDH Aviation on 1 February 2001, registered as N60S on 6 February 2001. To 448 Alliance Corp. on 31 December 2001, registration changed to this owner on 8 February 2002. Back to DDH Aviation on 12 June 2002, registration changed to this owner on 14 June 2002. To 60S LLC on 4 February 2005, registration changed to this owner on 24 February 2005. Re-registered as N630BB, same owner, on 18 July 2005. Still airworthy 2006.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered as C-GCGS for manufacturer's tests. Second prototype CL 600, used by Canadair for development and certification trials. On Experimental Flight Permit until 1988. Purchased from Canadair for use in development of CE-144 and CP-144 programs. Was briefly marked as 144600, but this appears to be unofficial (possibly marked by manufacturer for promotion). Designated CX-144A after delivery, due to differences in configuration from standard CC-144A. Operated by Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. Reportedly unpopular with AETE, due to non-standard configuration. Preserved, displayed outside at Air Force Headquarters, CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba. Still there in 2012.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GCUN for manufacturer's tests in 1986. Owned by federal Treasury Board, operated by Canadian Forces, initially for government VIP transport. First CC-144B (CL 601) with Canadian Forces. With No. 412 (T) Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands) when it visited Faro, Portugal in 1989. Still with 412 Squadron when it crashed on landing at CFB Shearwater, NS on 24 April 1995, written off. Was practicing flapless landings, when a rushed approached resulted in a very hard bounce and go around. While flying by tower to inspect for damage, RH main gear detached from aircraft. This damaged fuel lines, resulting in RH engine failure, and fire at leaking fuel line. Aircraft left runway shortly after touching down second time, came to rest against airport fence 6000 feet from touchdown point. No injuries. Declared Category A, apparently scrapped. Parts reported still stored outdoors at CFB Greenwodd in 2009.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GCUP for manufacturer's tests in 1986. Owned by federal Treasury Board, operated by Canadian Forces, for government VIP transport. With No. 412 Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands) by 7 November 1986. Seen at Palma de Mallorca, Spain on 16 May 1993, still in overall white finish. In overall gloss dark blue finish by late 2003, denoting utility interior. Visited Czech Republic in September 2003. Visited Rotterdam on 2/3 September 2005, and Northolt, UK on 19 September 2005. Departed on 20 September 2005 as Flight "CFC 3028". At Eduardo Gomes airport in Brazil on 27 October 2005. Seen at London Heathrow airport on 16 to 18 December 2005. Visited Skrydstrup, Denmark in April 2006, probably in support of CF-18s deployed there for NATO exercise. Also seen at Ramstein, Germany on this trip. Visited Ramstein again on 27 August 2006, as flight CF3071. At Manchester, UK on 2 September 2006, as CF3076. At Pearson Airport, Toronto next day, as CF3075. At Ramstein again in October 2006 and January 2007. On display at Abbotsford, BC air show, August 2007. Passed through Ramstein, Germany on 30 December 2007 as medevac flight CFC3932. Seen at Ramstein again in April 2008. Seen at Luton, UK on 25 November 2008. At Ramstein on 23 December 2008, as flight CFC3054. On static display at Abbotsford air show in August 2015, with No. 412 Squadron.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GCUR for manufacturer's tests in 1986. Owned by federal Treasury Board, operated by Canadian Forces, initially for government VIP transport. With No. 412 Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands) in 1991. Still with this unit at Ottawa International Airport when it vised Dubai, UAE on 15 November 2003. Seen at Azores on 3 December 2003. Seen at Winnipeg on 9 May 2004. Passed through Azores in May 2005. Visited Northolt, UK on 25 / 26 January 2006. Visited Dorval airport, Montreal on 3 May 2006. At Shannon, Ireland on 19 May 2006. At Toronto 23 November 2006. Visited Hamilton, Ontario on 6 March 2007. At Windsor, Ontario on 3 October 2007. On display at RAF Northolt, UK on 7 June 2008. Refuelled at Shannon, Ireland on 16 September 2008, westbound. Carried special markings on fin in 2011 for 70th anniversary of 412 Squadron. At Ramstein, Germany on 20 March 2011. Passed through Dublin, Ireland on 3 April 2011. Seen at Brize Norten, UK on 21 October 2103. Withdrawn from use in 2014.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Canadair as C-GCUT for manufacturer's tests. Owned by federal Treasury Board, operated by Canadian Forces, initially for government VIP transport. With No. 412 Squadron at CFB Ottawa (Uplands) in 1991. Still with this unit at Ottawa International Airport. In overall white finish as late as 1998. In overall gloss dark blue finish by August 2003 (denotes utility interior), when it took part in Abbotsford air show. By 2004 marked "VZ*F", WW 2 markings of Canadian Spitfire pilot Charley Fox of No. 412 Squadron, credited with straffing Rommel's staff car in France in 1944. Took part in London, Ontario air show in these markings, plus invasion stripes, in June 2004. Seen at Lisbon, Portugal on 18 September 2004. Visited Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Ontario in October 2005 and in January 2006. At Pearson on 14 July 2006, transferred stretcher to waiting S-76 "Bandage One". At Pearson again on 26 November 2006 to deliver stretcher case from Afghanistan, via Keflavik, Iceland and Ramstein, Germany. Stopped at Luton, UK on 7 May 2007, as flight Canforce 3781. Seen at Shannon, Ireland on 18 May 2007. To Pearson airport on 14 August 2007, as flight CFC 3062. At Pearson again on 17 February 2008, as Flight CFC 3098. Seen at Zurich, Switzerland on 30 January 2009, possibly in support of World Economic Forum meetings. Delivered to Greenwood Museum on 3 May 2016, where it will be returned to ECM trainer colours before going on display.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered To Bombardier as N533DK on 7 March 2002, and then C-GKGR on 27 March 2002, for manufacturer's trials. Delivered new to No. 412 (T) Squadron at Ottawa International Airport, possibly on 13 December 2002. Visited Honolulu, Hawaii in July 2004, probably in support of RIMPAC exercises that month. Seen at Azores on 20 August 2004. Visited Rotterdam, Holland on 7 May 2005. One of two CC-144s delivering VIPs for World War 2 memorial ceremony. To CFB Bagotville, Quebec on 3 July 2005. Seen at CFB Trenton, Ontario on 7 April 2006, in overall white finish. Visited Northolt, UK in May 2006. On display at Salinas, California air show, October 2006. Visited Pearson Airport, Toronto on 17 March 2007, and again on 24 August 2007 when it was scheduled flight CFC 3037. Seen at Waterloo, Ontario on 26 February 2008. Delivered PM Harper to Toronto on 10 March 2009. Night stopped at Lynham, UK on 22/23 April 2010. Carried special markings on fin in 2011 for 70th anniversary of 412 Squadron. Carried Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge to Alberta in July 2011. Operated from UK in April 2013, transported Prince Phillip to Canada using call sign "Royal Jet 9R". Seen at Manchester, UK on 17 May 2013, as flight CFC1062. Delivered Prime Minister Harper to Pearson airport on 10 July 2015, for opening of the Pan Am Games.Known Squadron Assignments:
Registered to Bombardier as C-GKGS on 22 March 2002, for company trials. To No. 412 (T) Squadron at Ottawa International Airport, possibly delivered on 13 December 2002. To Zurich, Switzerland on 23 January 2004. Visited Dorval Airport, Montreal on 5 January 2005. Visited Rotterdam, Holland on 7 May 2005, and Utrecht-Soesterberg, Holland on 8 May 2005. One of two CC-144s delivering VIPs for World War 2 memorial ceremony. Seen at Pearson International Airport, Toronto in October 2005. At Heathrow in the UK on 22 October 2005. Passed through Shannon, Ireland on 12 November 2005, as flight "CAF3747". Visited Ben Gurion airport, Tel Aviv, Israel on 14 November 2005, still in overall white finish. To Brussels in June 2006, for NATO Defense Ministers meeting. At Pearson Airport, Toronto, on 9 September 2006. Delivered PM Harper to Toronto on 27 October 2006, as flight CFC 1. At Pearson again on 25 March 2007. Delivered PM Harper to Toronto on 29 February 2009 as CanForce 1, to meet Czech president. Seen at Lyneham, UK on 25 April 2010. Operated to Pearson airport during G8 meetings in June 2010. Seen at Brussels on 5 May 2011. Visited Northolt, UK on 9 February 2104, as "CFC3701". Visited Northold, UK on 15 and 16 August 2015, as flight CFC 3078.Known Squadron Assignments:
Known Squadron Assignments: